The Empress looked at Shen Huaixu seriously, and the Emperor couldn't hide his excitement and asked, "Is this thing really as easy to care for and as productive as you said? Even better than grains?"
If it were a later-day improvement on the five grains, Chen Huaixu wouldn't have dared to guarantee this, but in this era of extremely low grain production, she was confident. She remembered that the famous exponential population growth in China occurred after the introduction of sweet potatoes.
Ordinary people are busy from the beginning of the year to the end of the year, and all they want is to have enough food to eat, not to mention the frequent famines in this era.
"I haven't been planting for long, so I can't be so sure. Your Majesty, please have the ministers of the Ministry of Agriculture try planting it. I believe it will bear fruit in a year. As we all know, sugar and salt can give people strength, and sweet potatoes are sweet, which is why I recommend them."
"Do you have anything to say, my dear ministers of the Sinology Department?"
One man stood up and said excitedly, "If what Princess Mingyi said is true, it can save the people of the world from dire straits."
It was a bit exaggerated to say such things in such an occasion, but it was enough to show that the things Shen Huaixu brought out were indeed of great value.
Everyone at the banquet began to whisper. A strange light flashed in Cang Heng's eyes. He curled up his fingers on the table, and a struggle flashed in his eyes. He looked up at his father, but ultimately did not stand up.
"Good!" The emperor laughed heartily. After that, he said to Shen Su, "Lord Shen, you have raised a good daughter."
Chen Su stood up and said calmly, "Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. I have witnessed the suffering of the people during my journey to escape famine, and I feel it more deeply. I am only doing my duty as a subject."
The Empress couldn't help but sigh, "Princess Mingyi's actions are for the benefit of the people of the world. This kind of thought is truly rare. I am very pleased with this birthday gift. Your Majesty and I thank you on behalf of the people of the world."
"Your Majesty is terrified."
Shen Huaixu took a step back and was about to kneel down when he was stopped by the emperor's voice, "On this day of great joy, don't kneel here and there. Take a seat."
Shen Huaixu returned to his seat and sat down, but heard someone chuckle and say, "Father, Queen Mother, our Great Jin is vast and rich in resources, accommodating all things. It's not surprising to find any rare treasures. But why is this thing called sweet potato so unheard of?"
These words came from King Kang.
The King of Yan, who was sitting next to him, sneered, "The world is vast and full of wonders. For example, at the border between Huai'an Prefecture and Southern Xia, there are hundreds of thousands of mountains. Who can say that they have seen everything in those mountains?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent again. A strange atmosphere spread among the crowd, and the emperor's expression turned from sunny to gloomy.
It was the first time that Shen Huaixu met the legendary King of Yan. He was a little curious at first, but after hearing these words, the image of the King of Yan in his mind was immediately greatly reduced.
Who doesn't know that Huai'an Prefecture was the former Duke's territory? After that incident, Duke Duan was hastily buried, his wife was accused of instigating Duke Duan's rebellion and executed, and all of his children were demoted to commoners, with their descendants barred from taking the imperial examinations. This outcome was considered the best possible outcome.
A towering mountain, once towering to the southwest of the Jin Dynasty, collapsed with a thunderous thud, vanishing from view. Its rumbling echoed in the hearts of the people. This incident had just happened, and the ministers were afraid to submit more than a few memorials regarding Huai'an Prefecture. Yet, the Prince of Yan mentioned this place publicly, practically plucking hair from a tiger's mouth.
After all, he was speaking for her, and it would be unfair to just watch the show. Just as Shen Huaixu was about to make a move, she saw someone stand up. Seeing that person's face clearly, she immediately relaxed.
Whoever is the father will save him.
"Grandfather, Grandmother, I can testify for Princess Mingyi that those sweet potatoes were indeed obtained by chance while fleeing famine."
The queen's heart was filled with mixed emotions, but she didn't show it on her face. Eventually, her worry took over, and she followed up on her grandson's question, asking, "Does Jinghe recognize Mingyi?"
Prince Cang Heng of Jinghe County explained slowly, "Before this, I didn't know who Lady Mingyi was. Today, I learned that Lady Mingyi was the one who saved me while fleeing famine. I followed them all the way and knew exactly where the sweet potatoes came from. However, I wasn't as perceptive as Lady Mingyi and didn't realize how precious they were. I feel deeply guilty about this."
"There is such a connection between you two!" The queen looked at Chen Huaixu with surprise.
King Yan was also deeply surprised. "So you are the benefactor who saved my son? But aren't you in Beichuan County? How come..."
Prince Kang smiled slightly and lowered his voice to interrupt him, "Brother, your mother's birthday party is the place for you to chat about family matters, right?"
King Yan glanced at him, snorted, and didn't continue.
The development of the situation was somewhat miraculous, and Shen Huaixu had no choice but to say, "My Lord, this is a long story. However, I did happen to run into His Royal Highness the County Prince on the road and saved him. After that, His Royal Highness the County Prince also helped us a lot. The two offset each other, so it can't be considered a favor."
After this interruption, the emperor's expression improved a lot. "Mingyi has made great contributions and deserves a reward. Changxi, remember to remind me after the birthday banquet and continue to present gifts!"
The tribute ceremony can finally continue.
After the ceremony, the dancers filed into the hall and the musicians began to play. Shen Huaixu ate while watching the singing and dancing, enjoying his meal very much.
The food in the palace was indeed good. Not only was it beautifully presented, it also looked appetizing. There was almost nothing that displeased her.
Someone suddenly spoke up beside him, "Sister Mingyi, have you ever had a palace banquet?"
She glanced sideways—Princess Chaohua.
She nodded. "This is my first time attending a palace banquet. The dishes are truly sumptuous."
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